A two-year contract has been signed between Imerys and GB Railfreight that will see Cornish China Clay transported by rail to Staffordshire.

The Kaolin, which is mined in Cornwall, is a raw material used in manufacturing paper, cosmetics, paint and pharmaceuticals.

The train will be loaded with the material and will travel from the mine to Fowey Docks and Cliffe Vale in Staffordshire.

The contract will reduce congestion on the local rural roads.

“We are pleased to enter into this agreement with Imerys, supporting the movement of critical local volumes and reinforcing our ambition to grow rail freight in the South West. We look forward to delivering our market‑leading service to Imerys for at least the next two years.” 

“In addition to transporting kaolin, we provide seasonal treatment services to help keep the rail network operating reliably for both passenger and freight services, including Belmond’s Britannic Explorer, across the region. This will see an increased number of ‘blue’ trains operating from 2026 and beyond in the area.”

“Looking ahead, we see strong growth opportunities in emerging markets in the South West and are committed to being the leading rail freight operator in the region”.

Carl Kent, Sales Director at GB Railfreight